Lower School Curriculum

Graded’s lower school is a lively community where curiosity thrives. In mixed-age, Montessori-based pre-kindergarten classrooms, children build confidence and independence through self-directed exploration. Kindergarten serves as a bridge from early childhood to the elementary years, preparing students for the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In grades 1–5, dedicated faculty empower students to take ownership of their learning and reflect on their progress. During these years, students strengthen foundational academic skills while engaging in art, music, design and innovation, Portuguese, and physical education. Social-emotional learning is woven throughout, supporting both academic and personal growth. For a more detailed view of our curriculum, please refer to the Lower School Snapshot of Learning.

2025-26 LOWER SCHOOL STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK

Early Years Program

Our Early Years Program, rooted in Montessori philosophy, offers children the time and space to explore, create, and develop independence.

In mixed-age, pre-kindergarten classrooms, children aged 3 to 5 learn together to develop collaboration, leadership, and empathy. They work with hands-on materials, make independent choices, and learn in small groups—developing focus, imaginative thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Kindergarten bridges early childhood and the elementary grades for students aged 5-6. While students continue to use familiar Montessori materials, they are also introduced to new learning experiences that build early literacy and numeracy, physical development, and abstract thinking. This stage nurtures both academic readiness and social-emotional growth, ensuring that children move into first grade with confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning.

Language Arts

Literacy is a fundamental human right and the gateway to all learning. A strong foundation enables students to think critically, express themselves clearly, and engage deeply with ideas across disciplines. Through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, students develop the confidence and individual voice to communicate their thinking and connect with others.

Our English Language Arts program follows AERO English Language Arts Standards. Teachers use a balanced, research-based approach that combines explicit instruction in decoding, vocabulary, and grammar because, unlike speaking and listening, reading and writing do not occur naturally.

Students engage as both readers and writers through meaningful, authentic experiences. As readers, they explore a range of high-interest and accessible texts of their choosing, alongside increasingly complex works that expand their knowledge and academic vocabulary. As writers, they craft high-quality pieces for authentic audiences, learning to express ideas with clarity, creativity, and purpose.

In every classroom, students engage in mini-lessons, independent reading and writing, storytelling activities, and guided and shared experiences that advance their phonics knowledge, vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies. They explore narrative, informational, and persuasive genres across disciplines, building strong comprehension and voice. Purposeful feedback and reflection help each child grow as a thoughtful reader, writer, and communicator.

Mathematics

Mathematical thinking is more than steps and formulas; it's about developing the mindset and habits of a mathematician. It nurtures strategic thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills essential for both academic and personal success. Students in Graded's Mathematics Program are encouraged to see themselves as mathematicians who make sense of problems, take risks, and persevere through challenge.

Teachers use the AERO Mathematics Standards to design lessons that build conceptual understanding through exploration, communication, and collaboration. Math learning is active and inquiry-based, with opportunities to connect mathematical ideas to real-life contexts and other disciplines such as science and social studies.

In the classroom, students manipulate materials, test strategies, and discuss multiple ways to reach solutions. They engage in mathematical practices such as constructing arguments, modeling situations, using tools, and attending to precision. Through this process, they develop confidence, fluency, and the ability to transfer mathematical thinking to new and meaningful contexts.

Music

Music education cultivates creativity, focus, and collaboration while deepening students’ cultural and emotional intelligence. Making music together strengthens community and provides joyful, expressive opportunities for every learner.

Following the National Core Music Standards, instruction emphasizes creating, performing, responding, and connecting. Students develop both technical and interpretive skills as they explore rhythm, melody, harmony, and form across various genres and cultures.

In class, students sing, play instruments, compose, and improvise—often preparing for performances that celebrate community and showcase learning. Movement and group activities promote confidence, teamwork, and an appreciation for diverse musical traditions. Through reflection and practice, students become independent, expressive musicians who understand how music connects people and ideas across time and place.

Physical Education and Health

Physical Education promotes well-being, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for staying active. By developing physical literacy, students acquire the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to engage in a variety of physical activities while valuing fairness, perseverance, and respect.

Using the Alberta Physical Education and Wellness Standards, lessons are designed to balance skill development, fitness, and reflection. Students explore movement concepts through individual and collaborative games that encourage cooperation and healthy competition.

Each class includes warm-ups, focused skill demonstrations, and opportunities for practice and teamwork. Students reflect on concepts such as goal setting, resilience, and sportsmanship, connecting physical activity to social-emotional learning. Through PE, students grow not only as athletes but as balanced individuals who understand the importance of caring for their bodies and minds.

Portuguese

Portuguese learning at Graded enhances students’ ability to communicate, connect, and engage with Brazilian culture and the wider Portuguese-speaking world. For native speakers, it supports identity development and academic language growth. For additional language learners, it fosters intercultural understanding and global citizenship.

Teachers use BNCC Portuguese Standards to guide instruction. Lessons integrate reading, writing, speaking, and listening across a range of genres and purposes, often linked to topics from science and social studies.
In the classroom, students participate in mini-lessons, shared and independent reading and writing, grammar study, and storytelling. They explore both literary and informational texts to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression. Whether deepening their home language or acquiring a new one, students build confidence and curiosity as multilingual communicators who can express themselves clearly and empathetically.

Science

Science education is essential for fostering intellectual curiosity, innovation, and a sense of responsibility toward our world. Science empowers students to question, investigate, and design solutions for real-life challenges—developing both a sense of wonder and an understanding of the impact of human actions on both the environment and society.

Our program is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which emphasize scientific inquiry, engineering design, and the integration of technology. Science learning is interdisciplinary, connecting naturally with literacy, mathematics, and social studies through hands-on exploration and experimentation.

Students act as scientists and engineers—asking questions, planning investigations, building models, and analyzing data. They learn to use evidence to construct explanations, evaluate information, and communicate findings. Through collaboration and critical thinking, students develop deep conceptual understanding and the capacity to transfer knowledge to novel and relevant situations.

Social Studies

Social studies help students understand the world and their role within it. By examining history, geography, civics, and culture, students learn to make informed, ethical decisions for the public good and to act as responsible, compassionate citizens in a diverse, interconnected world.

Our program follows the AERO Social Studies Standards, offering rich, interdisciplinary units that integrate literacy, mathematics, and science. Learning is inquiry-driven and rooted in issues of sustainability, equity, inclusion, and diversity, enabling students to apply their knowledge in authentic and meaningful ways.

In the classroom, students engage in questioning, research, and discussion to construct reasoned arguments and communicate their findings. They evaluate sources, consider multiple perspectives, and take informed action in their communities. Through collaborative exploration and reflection, students develop global awareness, civic responsibility, and a sense of agency—skills essential for lifelong learning and leadership.

Visual Arts

The visual arts nurture self-expression, empathy, and critical thinking. Through making and responding to art, students learn to observe closely, communicate ideas, and connect their experiences to diverse cultures and perspectives. Artistic expression encourages imagination and confidence while enriching learning across disciplines.

Our program follows the National Core Arts Standards, guiding students through the processes of creating, presenting, responding, and connecting.

In the classroom, students engage in a variety of activities, including painting, drawing, sculpting, and designing, using a range of materials and techniques. They explore the work of artists from around the world, discuss the meaning and intent behind their creations, and reflect on their process. Through exhibitions and sharing opportunities, students present their work to authentic audiences, developing both artistic skills and a sense of pride in their creative voice.